Axe "kilonda" - Songye - DR Congo
05
days
15
hours
40
minutes
31
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 500 - € 550
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Description from the seller
• Kilonda axe
• Ethnicity: Songye
• Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Height (handle): 37.5 cm
• Width (blade only): 14 cm
• Materials: wrought iron, wood, red copper
• Estimated period: first half of the 20th century
• Weight: 379 g
• Provenance: former English private collection; Wallis & Wallis auction (lot 933)
— This type of axe, called kilonda, was mainly produced by the Songye, but also by the Nsapo and the Luba. Although their shape was largely inspired by functional weapons, they were strictly symbols of prestige and display. The Songye blacksmiths are widely recognized as the greatest masters of the forge and used hot and cold forging techniques to embellish these blades (Elsen, On Iron and Pride, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).
— Beautiful Songye Kilonda axe with fine dotted work across all the red copper covering the handle and, of course, the red copper inlay work in the wrought iron blade
— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)
• Kilonda axe
• Ethnicity: Songye
• Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Height (handle): 37.5 cm
• Width (blade only): 14 cm
• Materials: wrought iron, wood, red copper
• Estimated period: first half of the 20th century
• Weight: 379 g
• Provenance: former English private collection; Wallis & Wallis auction (lot 933)
— This type of axe, called kilonda, was mainly produced by the Songye, but also by the Nsapo and the Luba. Although their shape was largely inspired by functional weapons, they were strictly symbols of prestige and display. The Songye blacksmiths are widely recognized as the greatest masters of the forge and used hot and cold forging techniques to embellish these blades (Elsen, On Iron and Pride, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).
— Beautiful Songye Kilonda axe with fine dotted work across all the red copper covering the handle and, of course, the red copper inlay work in the wrought iron blade
— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Axe "kilonda"
Height
37.5 cm
Width
19 cm
Weight
379 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
